The Value of Medical Missions 1 Timothy 5:23
“Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” 1 Timothy 5:23
This verse written to Timothy is significant for several reasons. First, it shows that Paul recognized the value of natural cures for some common heath issues. Timothy struggled with stomach problems. It was possible that Luke the beloved physician was with Paul at this time of this writing and recommended wine.
Pure water was a premium in those days. As Timothy traveled, he may have been exposed to new bacteria in the drinking water. The cure was to mix in a little wine or alcohol with the water. It is an effective treatment for numerous stomach ailments.
Second, note that the story of the Good Samaritan also recognized the value of wine as an antibacterial to treat wounds. (See Luke 10:34) He added wine and oil to the wounds and thus warded off infection.
Third, though Paul obviously believed in Divine healing, being a Christian did not exempt the early believers from every form of sickness or disease. Paul rejected a health, wealth and prosperity doctrine. Christian’s live in a fallen world that includes sickness, disease, accidents, war, violence, persecution and suffering.
Forth, Christianity has a rich history of taking care of the medical needs of people. When plagues would come upon cities or villages, often most of the healthy population would leave abandoning the sick and dying to fate. It was the Christians who would stay behind and minister to the sick. They did the same in war torn regions. Showing care and compassion for the sick, wounded and elderly became a effective means of spreading the gospel.
Fifth, caring for the sick and infirmed soon became as essential for the spread of the gospel as caring for widows and orphans. James 5:13-18 indicates that this was accompanied by an effective prayer ministry. Medical Missions has gone hand and hand with the spread of the gospel throughout church history.
Finally, this is a primary reason why GoServ Global believes in building Medical Centers in remote regions around the world. We are currently raising funds to finish a Medical Center in India. While churches, orphanages and Christian schools are being targeted for intense persecution, Christan Medical Centers currently have much freedom in India.
Call our office at 515-448-3131 if you want to help support this miracle. Medical Centers are an effective way to spread the gospel.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
